[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A roundup of fun festival tunes
Bon Odori, a quintessential summer tradition! Festival stalls sell games and delicious food, making it hugely popular with kids.
Here, we’ll introduce a variety of wonderful Bon Odori songs—from tunes children already know to unique arrangements of J-pop and Western music.
Lots of new songs are appearing, too.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the dance steps—what matters is having fun.
Kids and adults alike, be sure to join in Bon Odori and make some great memories!
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[2026] Bon Odori songs every kid knows! A fun collection of festival tunes (71–80)
Lupin Ondo
The manga Lupin the Third, created by Monkey Punch, has gained immense popularity through anime and films.
Thanks to collaborations with Detective Conan, a live-action adaptation, and a 3DCG film, it’s beloved by a wide range of generations, not just adults.
The song used in the ending of the Lupin the Third movie The Mystery of Mamo is Haruo Minami’s Lupin Ondo.
The lyrics portray from beginning to end just how amazing a guy Lupin is.
Its rhythm fits well with choreography used in typical Bon Odori dances, so children who know the song or the anime—and those who don’t—can easily enjoy dancing to it!
Great Tokyo Ondo
“Daitokyo Ondo” is Yukio Hashi’s 140th single.
It was released on May 25, 1979.
Originally planned as part of TV Tokyo’s 15th anniversary, it has become a staple tune danced at every Bon Odori festival in Tokyo.
Although it has been released by multiple labels, the Victor version by Yukio Hashi and Akiko Kanazawa was a major hit.
Learn the choreography and show it off at your next Bon Odori.
Higashimurayama Ondo
“Higashimurayama Ondo,” which became a hot topic after comedian Ken Shimura’s arranged cover, is a song that lets you deeply savor the history of Japanese dance and song.
With choreography that forms a circle and includes clapping, it’s perfect for Bon Odori, where dancers move around a central tower (yagura).
Its nostalgic yet vibrant sound enhances the festive atmosphere.
It’s a song we hope people of all ages will dance to together with children at Bon Odori gatherings.
After enjoying games and snacks, forming a circle to dance will make the festival memories linger even more.
If you’re looking for a traditional Bon Odori song that captures the feeling of summer, be sure to check it out.
[2026] Bon Odori songs every child knows! A fun festival song roundup (81–90)
Nippon Cha Cha Cha
Are you familiar with the bright, rhythmic, and super catchy song “Nippon Cha Cha Cha”? Sung in 2006 by three young female vocalists—Chigusa Takehana, Akiko Omodaka, and Aya Kagayama—this piece humorously portrays Japan’s history and traditions while also conveying the importance of peace.
From Perry’s arrival in 1853 to the Pacific War and the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it looks back on Japan’s path set to a fun melody.
The song was selected as the nationwide group dance piece for 2006 and became a favorite at Bon Odori festivals across the country.
With choreography anyone—young or old, men or women—can dance, it livens up festivals and events.
How about forming a circle with family and friends on a summer night and enjoying Bon Odori to this song?
Dancing Hero
In 2017, “Dancing Hero” enjoyed a revival hit as the song for the “Bubble Dance” performed by the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Takaoka High School.
Originally released in 1985 as Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, it became a staple for school festivals and dance performances more than 30 years later.
What’s more, this song is even used for Bon Odori.
The anything-goes spirit is part of what makes Bon Odori so much fun, isn’t it?
Hattori-kun Ondo
From the ninja-themed anime Ninja Hattori-kun, we present the song Hattori-kun Ondo.
Ninja Hattori-kun is a Japanese gag manga in which Hattori leaves his village to continue his training in Tokyo, where he gets caught up in various incidents.
Let’s try dancing the Hattori-kun Ondo from the beloved national anime Ninja Hattori-kun.
The key points are its tune, which evokes an ondo performed at events like Bon Odori, and lyrics that weave in ninja-specific episodes!
The Ball and the Lord
This nursery rhyme vividly depicts a summer festival scene.
Set to a light, lilting melody, it unfolds a nostalgic yet charming festival landscape.
The exchange between a young girl and a feudal lord, told through a bouncing handball, is sure to stir children’s pure longing and curiosity.
The lyrics by Saijō Yaso and the music by Nakayama Shimpei harmonize beautifully, conveying the appeal of Japan’s traditional children’s songs.
Since its release in 1929, it has been covered by many singers and cherished as a classic.
It is also included on Tsutomu Aragaki’s album “Singing Japan.” Give it a listen when you want to feel the bustle of a summer festival or to experience a nursery rhyme rich in Japanese atmosphere—it will surely soothe your heart.